RIVER GROVE, Ill., April 9, 2003 — We’ve all heard about the cost of higher education, but what we don’t hear much about is the cost of NOT getting it. The graphic arts industry, especially in the Chicago area, may soon find just what those costs are, as officials from Triton College announce that the school’s graphic arts printing program is in danger of being drastically cutback. “Without additional support and increased attendance, the advanced press classes for both sheetfed and web will be eliminated and we will eventually see repercussions in other graphic arts and visual communication classes,” warns Ron Hawks, the education director for the Chicago Graphic Arts Institute and member of Triton’s advisory group and former instructor. Triton enjoys an invaluable and unusual industry support from manufacturers – suppliers and friends – of time, talent, supplies, equipment, use of production facilities and scholarships. “We want to make sure that everyone is aware of what’s going on and what could happen,” said Hawks. In addition to the advanced press classes, which include GATF (Graphic Arts Technical Foundation) certification, Triton College also offers a variety of beginning and advanced production-focused classes in both pre-press (including DTP, color management and design) and post-press (including binding and finishing). “GATF is the leading international resource for technical information and services to the printing industry. We have had a long-standing relationship with Triton and that is the only program offering press-related training in the number one print manufacturing center in the United States,” notes George H. Ryan, chief operating office and executive vice president for GATF. “In the 1990s, we used the Triton facility to conduct some of our national training programs and the school also uses our sheetfed and web press training curriculums as the basis for its GATF certification program.” Triton College boasts an exceptional program and has played an integral role in launching many careers in the graphic arts community. “My career path was molded as a result of [my time at Triton], and I’ve been able to pass through many doors that might otherwise have been closed,” explains Terry Collins, a supply chain/marketing analyst with R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company. “I learned how to run several presses; I learned the mechanical aspects of presses; I learned about maintenance; I learned the nuances of color and how plates, pressure and inks all go into making a graphic designer’s concept a reality through the art and science of press operation.” Triton College offers students invaluable “hands-on” experience, allowing them to enter the workforce with the experience they need. “I am a graduate of the pressmen apprentice school and don’t understand why we would discontinue such training,” adds John Stumbaugh, plant manager at Service Web Offset Corporation in Chicago. “Ask any quality graphic arts company and the biggest concern they have is the need for skilled workers.” With the distinguished faculty and the support the school receives from industry organizations and associations, Triton College offers students an opportunity to gain excellent training and excel in the workforce. For more information on Triton College and that graphic arts printing program, please contact Department Coordinator Lorette Dodt at (708) 456-0300 or visit Triton College on the web at www.triton.edu.